Business
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Startup in Pakistan (SECP Online) - 2025
By Huzi
(Updated 18 August 2025 | Covers Sole Proprietorships, Private Limited Companies & SMCs)
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure [2][8][10]
| Type | Minimum Members | Liability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | 1 | Unlimited | Freelancers, small retailers |
| Single Member Co. (SMC) | 1 | Limited | Solo founders seeking asset protection |
| Private Limited Co. (Pvt Ltd) | 2+ | Limited | Startups with co-founders/investors |
| LLP | 2+ | Limited | Professional services firms |
Critical Note: SMCs/Pvt Ltds require SECP registration; sole proprietorships skip SECP but need local municipal licenses [8][10].
Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name via SECP eServices [2][6][10]
Check Availability:
- Use SECP Name Search Tool →’ Enter 3 name options (e.g., "TechGenius Pvt Ltd").
- Avoid banned words ("Bank," "Federal") and ensure alignment with business activities [2][7].
Pay Fee: Rs 1,000 online (Rs 2,000 offline) via JazzCash/credit card [2][10]. Validity: Name reserved for 90 days [2].
Step 3: Prepare Incorporation Documents [2][5][10]
| Document | Requirement | Template Source |
|---|---|---|
| Memorandum of Association (MoA) | Business objectives, scope, capital structure | SECP website [2] |
| Articles of Association (AoA) | Internal governance, director roles | SECP editable templates [2] |
| CNIC/Passport Copies | All directors/shareholders (scanned, attested) | "" |
| Proof of Registered Office | Utility bill/lease agreement + property tax slip | "" |
| Digital Signatures | Obtain via NIFT for directors (Rs 1,500/person) | [2][6] |
Step 4: Submit Online Application via SECP eServices [2][6][10]
Log In: eservices.secp.gov.pk →’ Use OTP from CNIC-linked mobile.
Upload:
- MoA, AoA, CNICs, address proof, name reservation certificate.
- Auto-generated Form 1 (compliance), Form 21 (address), Form 29 (director details) [2][6].
Pay Incorporation Fee:
- SMC: Rs 2,000—Rs 20,000 (based on capital)
- Pvt Ltd: Rs 3,000—Rs 30,000 [8][10].
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Incorporation [2][6][10]
- Timeline: 3—5 days (normal), 4 hours via Fast Track (Rs 5,000 extra) [3][10].
- Download: From eServices portal or collect at SECP office (e.g., Lahore: 3rd Floor, Associated House) [5][10].
Step 6: Post-Registration Compliance [2][7][10]
NTN Registration:
- Apply via FBR IRIS Portal →’ Upload incorporation certificate →’ Get NTN in 48 hours [7][10].
Open Bank Account:
- Required: NTN + incorporation certificate + board resolution [7][10].
Sales Tax Registration:
- Mandatory if revenue > Rs 10M/year; apply via FBR portal [10].
Annual SECP Filings:
- Submit financial statements by September 30 yearly [10].
Fee Structure 2025 [2][8][10]
| Service | SMC Fee (PKR) | Pvt Ltd Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Name Reservation | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,000 |
| Incorporation | Rs 2,000—Rs 20,000 | Rs 3,000—Rs 30,000 |
| Digital Signatures | Rs 1,500/director | Rs 1,500/director |
| Fast Track (4 hrs) | Rs 5,000 | Rs 5,000 |
Critical Warnings & Pro Tips [2][8][10]
- Deadlines: Complete NTN/bank account within 30 days of incorporation to avoid penalties.
- Scam Alert: Never pay "agents" for SECP submissions—use only the eServices portal.
- SMC Advantage: 100% foreign ownership allowed; no local director required [8].
- Common Rejections:
- Mismatched CNIC addresses →’ Attach utility bill in director's name.
- "Generic name" (e.g., "Pakistan Solutions") →’ Add unique keywords ("AlphaLogix").
One-Screen Cheat Sheet
- Choose structure: SMC (solo) / Pvt Ltd (team)
- Reserve name:
eservices.secp.gov.pk→’ Pay Rs1,000 - Prepare: MoA, AoA, CNICs, digital signatures
- Submit docs + pay fee: Rs2K—Rs30K
- Download Certificate of Incorporation (3—5 days)
- Post-reg: NTN + bank account + annual filings
"In 2025, your startup's first MVP is a Certificate of Incorporation."
Share this guide with co-founders—dodge the bureaucracy, launch faster!
